p.5 #1 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
15Bit wrote:
I wouldn't call it an easy giveaway - it was a guess. What does "SABF" mean anyway? I can't get anything on google....
All 3 of my legit batteries have different 4 letter codes. So it may be like a serial number or batch number but I don't think it actually stands for anything.
p.5 #4 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
arbitrage wrote:
All 3 of my legit batteries have different 4 letter codes. So it may be like a serial number or batch number but I don't think it actually stands for anything.
p.5 #5 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
arbitrage wrote:
Up until installing the new firmware, I was totally unaware that the two spare batteries I owned were not genuine. I had bought them in 2011 for my 7D through a 3rd party on Amazon.ca. The listing said they were genuine and made by Canon. The price was $65, which was a bit cheaper than most Canadian stores but equal to B&H pricing for legit LP-E6s.
When I installed the firmware 2 of my 5 batteries gave the communication error. 3 of my batteries are from my cameras (7D, 5D2 and 5D3). I had a close look at the batteries and there are a couple clues to spot the fake ones if you know what to look for. I've posted a pic with one of the legit ones and one of the fakes. Both the labels are legit and even not having the date code is legit. But can you spot the main tell-tale sign??
These came in official looking packaging, so I wonder if even the retailer knew they were fakes?? Looking back at the Amazon.ca listing there are now some reviews saying the batteries are fakes but not at the time I bought them. They have always worked fine and I never knew the difference. Now I know...Show more →
Looks like your second one doesn't have the tiny two contacts gold plated?
I have both styles of batteries, top and bottom but my bottom style also has the same gold plating as the top one on those two mini-contacts (it also has a code in the left black plastic unlike yours, although you say that part doesn't matter, my top one says SDAF as does yours and my bottom one says VJ5C where yours is blank).
EDIT: OK I see that you mention the fake also has cut off corners on the blue sticker
It seems lack of gold plating on the mini-contacts is a real big giveaway. The sticker thing too (unless they figure out how to get that done right eventually). The blank code space seems like a giveaway on yours but I'd imagine they could easily enough start stamping some raised letters there eventually too. Granted they could also start gold plating but I think that would be the last step they'd hit.
p.5 #6 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
skibum5 wrote:
Looks like your second one doesn't have the tiny two contacts gold plated?
I have both styles of batteries, top and bottom but my bottom style also has the same gold plating as the top one on those two mini-contacts (it also has a code in the left black plastic unlike yours, although you say that part doesn't matter, my top one says SDAF as does yours and my bottom one says VJ5C where yours is blank).
No the code is important because if it doesn't have it that means it is a fake. I was just saying that some fakes still have a code as seen in the POTN link. I was also noting that the code changes so ther are lots of different letter combos that are all still legit.
You are right about the gold plating. I just had another look and it is missing from my two fakes.
p.5 #8 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
I bought a grip and a Pearstone battery came with it, the battery sucks compared to the Canon and drains much faster. First time I ever bought a non Canon battery and it will be my last.
p.5 #11 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
John P Mulgrew wrote:
I bought a grip and a Pearstone battery came with it, the battery sucks compared to the Canon and drains much faster. First time I ever bought a non Canon battery and it will be my last.
Pearstone is the B&H house brand name. It's probably not worth the hassle, but they usually take care of the defective products.
p.5 #14 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
I have 3 canon and 1 Promaster I bought locally as a backup the day I left for a vacation as I couldnt find my 2nd when I packed up.
Now this warning shows up when i use it.
The biggest reason I use the Canons over 3rd party is that LiOn, and LiPoly batteries are a Lot more volatile than NiCad, or NiMH. I used all Lenmar batteries in my 1DsII but those are pretty weak as far as volitility during use and charging. LIpoly batteries can be pretty tempermental when charging and I like my house too much to let a crappy charger / battery combo set it on fire cause it charged at a too high of a voltage for too long. Check out some youtube videos of overcharged LiPoly batteries and how far they burn up.
I buy canon's because I believe the extra $ spent is not only going to canon but to more tightly controlled production with traceability. thats where '3rd parties' can skimp and cause problems.
p.5 #15 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
My 5D2 LOVES third party batteries - with the exception of a pair of throwaways that came with my third party AC adapter.
I've read some of y'all wondering why not always use Canon batteries, claiming that you never need more than at most a couple of spares. To that, I say - well - bullcrap. None of you must be running a lot of video. I also use my LP-6 batteries to power my external field monitor (also for video), and as a result I have just under twenty LP-E6 batteries. All of them are read just fine by the camera. These are a mixture of Wasabi and other third-party batteries I've bought from eBay.
Canon's pulling this stunt like with the Mk III firmware is annoying and will only hurt them in the end. We are supposed to be customers, not cash drawers.
p.5 #17 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
myron lee wrote:
Yeah great. Then what is next. I see the camera giving warning signs about sigma lens soon. Monopoly is unhealthy in the long run.
Don't panic. They won't do anything like this with lenses.
Likely this was done because counterfeit batteries are a HUGE deal. And people don't always know what they are buying. This has nothing to do w/3rd party batteries and everything to do with counterfeit (ie, stuff with canon logo on it and fake canon packaging, etc) ones.
Then the people call Canon up when the stuff goes bad.
p.5 #18 · Canon now warning us about third party batteries.
And im sure this is a MUCH bigger issue with smaller / less expensive compact cameras, who are looking at the cheapest of the cheap ebay batteries, since they only spent $200 on the camera. and they're probably the most vocal as well. Those of us buying higher end DSLRs probably take a bit more care to buy the better 3rd parties.
